The Spirit of Christmas

by Nancy Tillman, Nancy Tillman (Illustrator)

Overview

Bells jingle, sleds dash through the snow, trees are topped with sparkling stars, and children everywhere dream of candy canes and presents. But the best gift of all-the most magical gift of the season-is when we spend Christmas with those we love.

Once again, this New York Times-bestselling author and artist has created a special, beautiful book that families will want to share year after year. (And readers will want to look for the Spirit of Christmas image that Nancy Tillman has hidden on every page!)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780312549657
Publisher:	Feiwel & Friends
Publication date:	09/29/2009
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	409,395
Product dimensions:	9.50(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nancy Tillman is the author and illustrator of the New York Times best-selling picture book On the Night You Were Born and its companion journal, The Wonder of You: A Book for Celebrating Baby's First Year. Her other books include Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You and Tumford the Terrible. A former advertising executive, Tillman now writes and illustrates full-time. She lives in Tualatin, Oregon.

Read an Excerpt

I had just nodded off,
at a quarter past four,
when the Spirit of Christmas
stepped in through my door.

With a great show of sparkles,
he decked all my halls in tinsel and
twinkles and bright, shining balls...

I was really quite fond
of the trimmings he'd brought.
"But there's just something missing
this Christmas," I thought.

Editorial Reviews

“Tillman (On the Night You Were Born) expertly swirls together reality and fantasy--the narrator's child delights in the sight of the decorated tree, the lion lies down with the lamb--as is fitting for such a magical night.” —Shelf Awareness

“Handsomely illustrated, this Christmas book is bound to be hyped as the perfect seasonal gift. …Tillman's sentimental sensibility and beautiful artwork ensure that this will become a popular choice at holiday time.” —Booklist

“A beautiful and timeless book.” —School Library Journal

“As the adult speaker of the story nods off in a comfy red chair, the Spirit of Christmas appears, ready to get the narrator in the holiday spirit. What follows is a buoyant, imagistic tribute to the season, as the Spirit lists joys both and intangible, before offering the reminder: ‘Because it took nothing but love to begin it,/ it's not really Christmas if love isn't in it.' Tillman's ethereal illustrations are surreal but captivating.” —Publishers Weekly

“Bestselling author Tillman offers a dreamlike interpretation of the collective spirit that permeates the holiday.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The wonderful colored illustrations convey a sense of joy and peace.” —Children's Literature

“As in On the Night You Were Born, the words directly address a young listener with comforting, fanciful imagery . . . Culminating in a final scene of a sleeping child in a floating bed under a watchful moon, this gentle, tender offering will buoy children with its strong messages of safety and love.” —Booklist on It's Time to Sleep, My Love

“A luxuriant bedtime retreat for children and parents alike.” —Kirkus Reviews on It's Time to Sleep, My Love

“This is one of those rare baby books that should make both skeptics and sentimentalists of all ages happy.” —Publishers Weekly on On the Night You Were Born

“A beautiful tribute to the uniqueness of every child.” —Kirkus Reviews on On the Night You Were Born

“Many parents will welcome this opportunity to tell their children how special and loved they are.” —Booklist on On the Night You Were Born

From the Publisher

Readers can search for the spirit of Christmas with this whimsical and heartwarming tale. Decking the halls with tinsel and shining balls was not enough to incite the spirit of Christmas for the narrator of this story. Something was missing from Christmas. Was it jingle bells on a one-horse galloping sleigh? Or a band of toy soldiers dressed in matching red sashes? Maybe candy cane tongues and marshmallow mustaches? Possibly carolers singing or quiet snow? Nothing seemed to satisfy the narrator! At last the Christmas spirit came when the narrator realized his child brought out the warm feelings! Soft and detailed illustrations on each page accompany the text, creating a truly enchanting experience. Anyone who celebrates Christmas will be eager to read this story to his or her young ones! Reviewer: Kristen Bowman; Ages 3 to 5.

Children's Literature - Kristen Bowman